Cheviot Area School vs Ellesmere College
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in Canterbury, New Zealand, 132 km apart, using official New Zealand 2026 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Cheviot Area School
Cheviot · State composite · Years 1–13
173 students
Ellesmere College
Leeston · State secondary (year 7-15) · Years 7–13
575 students
| Measure | Cheviot Area School Cheviot, Canterbury | Ellesmere College Leeston, Canterbury |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (NZ) | 48 Lower 50% | 52 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #43 of 57 | #38 of 57 |
| National rank | #254 of 486 | #218 of 486 |
| Sector | State | State |
| Type | Composite | Secondary (Year 7-15) |
| Year range | Years 1–13 | Years 7–13 |
| Students | 173 | 575 |
| Equity Index (EQI) | 463 | 462 |
| Total roll | 173 | 575 |
| Roll growth (5 yrs) | -12.3% | -7% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 2+ | – | 90.2% |
| Leavers with NCEA Level 3+ | – | – |
| Leavers with University Entrance | – | 47.1% |
| Māori students | 16.2% | 18.3% |
| Pacific students | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| International students | 0% | 2.8% |
| suburb or town | Cheviot | Leeston |
| region | Canterbury | Canterbury |
| Website | www.cheviot.school.nz/ | www.ellesmere.school.nz |
The verdict
- •Ellesmere College scores higher on the Success Index (NZ) (52.3 vs 47.6).
- •Ellesmere College does better on equity index (fewer barriers is higher) (462 vs 463).
- •Ellesmere College does better on roll size (575 vs 173).
- •Ellesmere College does better on roll growth (5 years) (-7% vs -12.3%).
- •Ellesmere College is the larger school with 575 students compared with 173.
The Success Index (NZ) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheviot Area School better than Ellesmere College?
On the Success Index (NZ), Ellesmere College ranks higher (52.3 vs 47.6 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Cheviot Area School and Ellesmere College?
About 132 km in a straight line, between Cheviot and Leeston in Canterbury.
Which has the better Equity Index (EQI)?
Cheviot Area School: 463. Ellesmere College: 462. Ministry of Education measure of socio-economic barriers faced by students; lower means fewer barriers.
How do Cheviot Area School and Ellesmere College rank in Canterbury?
Cheviot Area School is 43rd of 57 and Ellesmere College is 38th of 57 among composite schools in Canterbury on the 2026 Success Index (NZ).